Principe Borghese Tomato (Heirloom, 78 Days)

The Principe Borghese Tomato an Italian heirloom, is the tomato used for sun drying in Italy. It is very small (1 to 2 ounces), plum shaped, and pointed at one end. Fruits are born in large clusters of several dozen, like grapes. They are meaty with little juice.  Principe Borghese Tomato branches can be hung to dry until the fruit becomes leathery. In Italy, they just throw the vines over a fence. We've had success in our cool, wet climate by slicing them in half and drying them in an oven or dehydrator. Don't give this one too much water as you don't want juicy fruit for drying. 

Solanum lycopersicum

Determinate

Germination: 7-14 days

Germination Temperature: Optimum soil temperatures 70-85ºF.

Seed Sowing Depth: 1/4” deep

Starting Indoors: 6 weeks before last frost. Provide 75-80ºF soil temperatures. Sow 2-3 seeds per cell/pot, thin to the strongest seedling or use the 20 Row seedling flat, transplanting into individual pots when seedlings get their 3rd set of leaves. Fertilize the seedlings every 7-10 days with a liquid or water soluble fertilizer, diluted to ¼ of suggested measurement. Transplant out after last frost. Space 24-36" apart

Sowing Outdoors: Only in areas with very long growing seasons. Sow after last frost. 

Harvest: When fruit is red (or color of the variety planted) and firm.

Tips: The Principe Borghese Tomato should be planted in fertile soil, amended with compost, mulch and provide even moisture. Plant deeper than they were growing in the containers as it makes a stronger roots system. Apply a light compost tea every few weeks. Do not apply excessive nitrogen, which can promote excessive foliage and poor fruit set.